System and method to position variable diffuser vanes in a compressor device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a system and method can modify the position of diffuser vanes to improve performance of a compressor device, e.g., a centrifugal compressor. These embodiments include a feedback loop to manage the position of the diffuser vanes relative to one or more operating characteristics of an actuator that imparts movement to the diffuser vanes. In one embodiment, the system and method measure the operating characteristic for the actuator with the diffuser vanes at a first position and a second position. The system can compare values for the operating characteristics, wherein changes in the operating characteristic can identify other positions for the diffuser vanes to reduce input power the actuator consumes to move and/or maintain the position of the diffuser vanes. This feature can correlate with optimal performance of the compressor device and with peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelope of the compressor device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/601,713, filed on Aug. 21, 2012, and entitled “System andMethod to Improve Performance of a Compressor Device Comprising VariableDiffuser Vanes.” The content of this application is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to compressor devices withparticular discussion that concerns use of diffusers and diffuser vaneson a centrifugal compressor.

Centrifugal compressors and related compressor devices often use adiffuser assembly to convert kinetic energy of a working fluid intostatic pressure. In theory, the assemblies orient one or more diffuservanes to slow the velocity of the working fluid through an expandingvolume region. An example of the diffuser assembly arranges severaldiffuser vanes circumferentially about an impeller. The design (e.g.,shapes and sizes) of the diffuser vanes, in combination with theorientation of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the diffuservanes with respect to the flow of the working fluid, can determine howthe diffuser vanes affix within the diffuser assembly.

In some compressor devices, the diffuser assembly incorporates variablediffuser vanes, which can move (e.g. rotate) during operation of thecompressor device. This degree-of-freedom improves the design andflexibility of the compressor device to adapt to working conditions,e.g., changes in flow rate of the working fluid. For example, thevariable diffuser vanes can move to change the orientation of theleading edge and the trailing edge to tune operation of the compressordevice. Known designs for variable diffuser vanes rotate about an axisthat resides in the lower half of the diffuser vanes, i.e., closer tothe leading edge than the trailing edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure presents embodiments of systems and methods that canmodify orientation of variable diffuser vanes to improve performance ofa centrifugal compressor and related compressor devices. The embodimentsmanage the position of the diffuser vanes relative to operatingcharacteristics associated with the diffuser assembly. In oneembodiment, a controller couples with an actuator to collect data thatrelates to operation of the actuator to position the diffuser vaneduring operation of the compressor device. The data can reflect, forexample, input power the actuator requires to move the diffuser vanesbetween a first position and a second position. The controller cancompare the data to identify the change in the operating characteristicsthat occurs, if at all, when the diffuser vanes move between the firstposition and the second position. In one embodiment, the controller cangenerate an output in response to changes in the operatingcharacteristic to move the diffuser vane to a third position. Thecontroller can collect data about the operating characteristic at thisthird position and, subsequently, use the data to identify any change inoperation of the actuator with the diffuser vanes in the third position.For example, pressure the working fluid imparts on the diffuser vanes inthe third position may balance across the diffuser vanes, thus reducingthe input power that the actuator requires to maintain the diffuservanes in the third position. This reduction in input power can indicatethat the diffuser vanes are in an optimal position for operation of thecompressor devices. In some embodiments, the process of moving thediffuser vanes among positions continues to optimize performance of thecompressor device, e.g., to reduce power consumption and to achieve andmaintain peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelopefor the compressor device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front, perspective view of an example of a compressordevice;

FIG. 2 depicts a back, perspective view of the compressor device of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asystem for controlling operation of a compressor device, e.g., thecompressor device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method foroperating a compressor device, e.g., the compressor device of FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the exemplary diffuser vane in a firstposition and a second position for use in a compressor device, e.g., thecompressor device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the exemplary diffuser vane of FIG. 5 in afirst position, a second position, and a third position; and

FIG. 7 depicts a high-level wiring schematic of an example of controllerfor use in a system, e.g., the system of FIG. 3.

Where applicable like reference characters designate identical orcorresponding components and units throughout the several views, whichare not to scale unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The discussion below describes embodiments of systems and methods tomanage the position of diffuser vanes in a compressor device, e.g., acentrifugal compressor. These embodiments offer a robust and automatedapproach to tune operation of the compressor device. In one aspect,these embodiments use feedback from an actuator that couples with thediffuser vanes. The feedback can embody, for example, an input (e.g., adigital signal, an analog signal, etc.) that describes an operatingcharacteristics of the actuator. The embodiments can use this operatingcharacteristic to instruct the actuator to move and, in turn, manipulatethe position of the diffuser vanes, thereby reducing power consumptionof the compressor device.

Uses of the operating characteristic for the actuator can help toachieve and maintain peak efficiency within the entire operatingenvelope of the compressor device. As noted above, movement of theactuator can modify the orientation of the diffuser vanes, e.g.,relative to the flow of a working fluid in the compressor device. Theoperating characteristics may, for example, reflect the input power (orother measure) that the actuator requires to perform this movementand/or to maintain the diffuser vane in a specified position relative tothe flow of the working fluid. During operation, the input power mayvary; typically in response to the change in the orientation of thediffuser vane relative to the flow of the working fluid. To achieveoptimal performance of the compressor device, the diffuser vanes mayassume a position in which the pressure of the working fluid balancesabout the surfaces of the diffuser vanes. In this position, the inputpower may have its lowest and/or smallest value, e.g., thus reflectingthat the balancing of pressure of the working fluid and that thecompressor devices is operating at peak (or near-peak) efficiency.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example of a compressor device 100 that isconfigured to achieve optimal performance. In FIG. 1, the compressordevice 100 has an inlet 102 and a volute 104 that forms an outlet 106. Adrive unit 108 couples to an impeller 110. As best shown in FIG. 2, thecompressor device 100 includes a diffuser assembly 112 with a pluralityof diffuser vanes 114. The volute 104 forms an interior diffuser cavitythat surrounds the diffuser vanes 114. The diffuser assembly 112 alsoincludes an actuator 116, which couples to the diffuser vanes 114 tochange the position of the diffuser vanes 114 as set forth herein.

During operation, the drive unit 108 rotates the impeller 110 to draw aworking fluid (e.g., air) into the inlet 102. The impeller 110compresses the working fluid. The compressed working fluid flows intothe diffuser assembly 112, past the diffuser vanes 114, and through theremaining portion of the volute 104. In one embodiment, the compressordevice 100 couples with industrial piping at the outlet 106 to expel theworking fluid under pressure and/or with certain designated flowparameters as desired. For example, the compressor device 100 finds usein a variety of settings and industries including automotive industries,electronics industries, aerospace industries, oil and gas industries,power generation industries, petrochemical industries, and the like.

Examples of the actuator 116 can include linear actuators and likedevices that create motion in a linear or straight-line. However, thisdisclosure does contemplate configurations of the diffuser assembly 112that can utilize devices that create non-linear motion (e.g., rotarymotion). One or more of the devices used for the actuator 116 maygenerate movement in response to electrical inputs (e.g., by way of anelectric motor that drives a lead screw) as well as in response to apneumatic input that can translate a piston/cylinder and/or likeelements found in, for example, a pneumatic cylinder.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 118 for controllingoperation of the compressor device 100. The system 118 includes acontroller 120 and a parameter sensor 122. The controller 120communicates with the drive unit 108 to control rotation of the impeller110. The controller 120 can also communicate with the diffuser assembly(e.g., diffuser assembly 112 of FIG. 2) by communicating with theactuator 116. This features can instruct operation of the actuator 116to cause the diffuser vanes 114 to change position, e.g., from a firstposition to a second position. In one embodiment, the controller 120 (orone or more other devices in the system 118) can communicate via anetwork 124 with a peripheral device 126 (e.g., a display, a computer,smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) and/or an external server 128.

As also shown in FIG. 3, the system 118 includes a feedback loop 130that couples the controller 120 with the actuator 116. The feedback loop130 can conduct a signal 132 (also “an input 132”) (e.g., a digitalsignal, an analog signal, etc.) between the actuator 116 and thecontroller 120. Examples of the signal 132 can include data thatreflects an operating characteristic for the actuator 116. Thisoperating characteristic can identify one or more of input power, powerconsumption, current draw, voltage, position, pneumatic pressure, aswell as other conditions of the actuator 116 during operation of thecompressor device 100.

The controller 120 can use this data to manage the position of thediffuser vane 114 in order to reduce power consumption and/or tooptimize the operating efficiency of the compressor device 100. In oneimplementation, the controller 120 can instruct the actuator 116 tooperate until the operating characteristic reaches a minimum value,e.g., which may reflect conditions in which the input power the actuator116 utilizes is at a minimum to maintain the position of the diffuservanes 114. This value may indicate, for example, that the diffuser vane114 is in position to properly align leading edge and the trailing edgeof the diffuser vane 114 with the flow of the working fluid. As notedabove, this position can balance the pressure of the working fluidacross the surfaces of the diffuser vane 114. The balance in thepressure can reduce the input power the actuator 116 needs to engagemaintain the position of the diffuser vane 114.

Examples of the controller 120 include computers and computing deviceswith processors and memory that can store and execute certain executableinstructions, software programs, and the like. The controller 120 can bea separate unit, e.g., part of a control unit that operates thecompressor device 100 and other equipment. In other examples, thecontroller 120 integrates with the compressor device 100, e.g., as partof the hardware and/or software that operates the drive unit 108 and/orthe actuator 116. In still other examples, the controller 120 can belocated remote from the compressor device 100, e.g., in a separatelocation. The controller 120 can issue commands and instructions usingwireless and wired communication, e.g., via the network 124.

The parameter sensor 122 monitors one or more operating parameters ofthe compressor device 100. Examples of these operating parametersinclude flow parameters (e.g., flow rate, flow velocity, staticpressure, head pressure, etc.) and mechanical parameters (e.g., inputpower, current, voltage, torque, etc.), among others. The parametersensor 122 can comprise one or more sensor devices that are sensitive tothe operating parameters. These sensor devices can embody flow meters,pressure transducers, accelerometers, and like components. Such devicesgenerate signals (also, “inputs”)(e.g., digital signals, analog signals,etc.), which include data that reflects a measured value for thecorresponding operating parameter that the device is configured tomeasure.

The parameter sensor 122 may also couple with a shaft or other mechanismthat transfers energy from the drive unit 108 to the impeller 110. Whenused in this manner, the parameter sensor 122 can measure severaloperating parameters (e.g., torque, angular velocity, etc.) that definethe operation of the drive unit 108 and/or the compressor device 102 ingeneral. Other positions for the parameter sensor 122 include proximatethe interior of the volute 104, proximate the outlet 106, proximate thediffuser assembly (e.g., diffuser assembly 112 of FIG. 2) as well asother positions to measure flow parameters as the working fluid movesthrough the compressor device 100. Moreover, the compressor device 100may include circuitry to operate the drive unit 108 that includescertain configurations of elements (e.g., capacitors, resistors,transistors, etc.) to monitor inputs to the drive unit 108, e.g.,current, voltage, power, etc.

Embodiments of the system 118 can implement sensor devices (e.g.,parameter sensor 122) in various combinations to monitor and measuredifferent operating parameters throughout the compressor device 100. Forexample, the system 118 may deploy a flow meter upstream of the diffuservanes 114, a pressure sensor proximate the outlet 106 (FIGS. 1 and 2),and/or circuitry to monitor the amount of power the actuator 116 and/orthe drive unit 108 uses during operation of the compressor device 100.The sensor devices provide signals to the controller 120. These signalstransmit and/or include data and information that reflects the operationof the compressor device 100. The controller 120 can process the signalsfrom the sensor devices to generate the outputs. These outputs caninclude data that reflects instructions for operation of one or morecomponents that can configure the compressor device 100. As set forthmore below, the outputs can include data that reflects instructions tochange the position of the diffuser vanes 114, e.g., to instructoperation of the actuator 116 to change the orientation and/or positionof one or more of the diffuser vanes 114. These instructions may, forexample, cause the actuator 116 to move, which, in turn, moves (e.g.,rotates) the diffuser vanes 114 through an angular offset from the firstposition to the second position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method200 to operate a compressor device (e.g., compressor device 100 of FIGS.1, 2, and 3). The method 200 includes, at step 202, receiving a firstsignal (also, “first input”) including data that reflects a first valuefor an operating characteristic of an actuator that couples with thediffuser vane in a first position and, at step 204, receiving a secondsignal (also, “second input”) including data that reflects a secondvalue for the operating parameter of the actuator with the diffuser vanein a second position. The method 200 also includes, at step 206,comparing the first value and the second value. The method 200 furtherincludes, at step 208, selecting an increment by which to move thediffuser vanes and, at step 210, generating an output that includes datato instruct the actuator to move the diffuser vane from the secondposition by the increment.

Collectively, one or more of the steps of the method 200 can be coded asone or more executable instructions (e.g., hardware, firmware, software,software programs, etc.). These executable instructions can be part of acomputer-implemented method and/or program, which can be executed by aprocessor and/or processing device. Examples of the controller 120 (FIG.3) can execute these executable instruction to generate certain outputs,e.g., a signal that encodes instructions to change the position of thediffuser vanes 114 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), a signal that encodesinstructions to change operation of the drive unit 108 (FIGS. 1, 2, and3), etc.

The steps for receiving a first signal (e.g., at step 202) and a secondsignal (e.g., a step 204) occur at different positions of the diffuservanes 114 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to capture potential changes in the operatingcharacteristic of the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). To illustrate,FIG. 5 shows an example of a diffuser vane 300 in a first position 302and a second position, identified by phantom lines and the numeral 304.In one embodiment, the diffuser vane 300 changes between the firstposition 302 and the second position 304 in response to operation of theactuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3).

The diffuser vane 300 has a vane body 306 with a leading edge 308 and atrailing edge 310. The diffuser vane 300 rotates about a rotation axis312 to permit changes in the position of the trailing edge 310 relativeto, in one example, the leading edge 308. This disclosure alsocontemplates construction of the diffuser vane 300 that would allow boththe leading edge 308 and the trailing edge 310 to move about therotation axis 312. For example, the rotation axis 312 can be positionedat various locations along the vane body 306, e.g., in locations spacedapart from the leading edge 308 and the trailing edge 310 along a chordlength. The chord length measures the straight-line distance between theleading edge 308 and the trailing edge 310.

With respect to the configuration of the diffuser vane 300 in FIG. 5,rotation about the leading edge 308 is advantageous to accommodate thedirection of the flow F, which can change orientation e.g., from a firstflow direction F1 to a second flow direction F2. To this end, despitethe relatively large angular displacement of the trailing edge 310 thatoccurs, the leading edge 308 is secured on the rotation axis 312 tolimit changes to the position of the leading edge 308 as the trailingedge 310 moves between the first position 302 and the second position304. This feature maintains the orientation of the leading edge 308 withthe second flow F2 to reduce the likelihood of flow separation, whileproviding adequate adjustment of the trailing edge 310 to dictatechanges in the performance, e.g., of the compressor device 100 (FIGS. 1,2, and 3).

Communication of the first signal and the second signal can occur by wayof wireless and/or wired communication protocols. In one implementation,systems can utilize these protocols to convey data to the controller 120(FIG. 3) from the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) by way of thefeedback loop 130 (FIG. 3) and/or between one or more of the parametersensors 122 (FIG. 3) and the controller 120 (FIG. 3). The signal encodesinformation about the operating characteristics for the actuator 116(FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). This data can include values (also “measuredvalues”) that may reflect a determinant values (e.g., voltage level,current level, power, pressure, etc.) that defines one or more operatingcharacteristics for the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) that is thesubject of measurement. In one embodiment, the method 200 can includesteps for receiving a plurality of signals from different sensor devicesand for selecting one or more of the signals based on, for example, thetype of information and data included in the signals. These features ofthe method 200 can permit the selection of particular information, e.g.,flow rate of incoming working fluid upstream of the impeller 110(FIG. 1) and/or the diffuser vanes 114 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), and/orcombinations of information, e.g., flow rate of incoming working fluidupstream of the impeller 110 (FIG. 1) and/or the diffuser vanes 114(FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), pressure at the outlet 106 (FIGS. 1 and 2), andinput power of the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). These selectionsmay be part of a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) thatdisplays on one or more of the peripheral devices 126 (FIG. 3) or onother display equipment associated with the compressor device 100 (FIGS.1, 2, and 3) and/or the system 118 (FIG. 3).

The steps for comparing the first value and the second value (e.g., astep 206) identifies the change or variation in the operatingcharacteristic of the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) that correspondswith the change in position of the diffuser vane 300. These changes can,for example, increase and/or decrease the operating characteristic ofthe actuator 116. For purpose of one example, this comparison capturesthe relative change in input power (or power consumption) of theactuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) that is required to move the diffuservane 300 from the first position 302 to the second position 304. Inanother example, the comparison can identify the input power of theactuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) to maintain the position of diffuservane 300.

The steps for selecting an increment (e.g., at step 208) provides anincremental change in the position of the diffuser vanes 300. Thisincremental change moves the diffuser vanes 300 to another position,which in turn can change the value of the operating characteristic ofthe actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). Examples of the incremental changecan define both the amount of movement that will occur in the diffuservane 300 as well as the direction of movement. FIG. 6, for example,illustrates the diffuser vane 300 in a third position 314, whichrepresents the position of the diffuser vane 300 offset from the secondposition 302 by an increment 316. As shown in the example of FIG. 6, theincrement 316 defines several positional characteristics (e.g., anangular offset 318 and a direction 320) that determine the extent towhich the position of the diffuser vane 300 changes relative to thesecond position 304. In one embodiment, the method 200 can include stepsfor comparing the relative values of the first value and the secondvalue to assign the positional characteristics. For example, if thesecond value is less than the first value, then the method 200 caninclude steps for assigning the increment 316 a first set of positionalcharacteristics that comprise a first direction and a first angularoffset. On the other hand, if the second value is less than the firstvalue, then the method 200 can include steps for assigning the increment316 a second set of positional characteristics that comprise a seconddirection and a second angular offset. In one example, the firstdirection is different from the second direction (e.g., with respect ofFIG. 6, the first direction is clockwise and the second direction iscounter clockwise).

The amount of the angular offset can vary, both between the firstangular offset and the second angular offset as well as based on thefirst value and the second value for the operating characteristic. Forexample, embodiments of the method 200 may include steps for calculatinga variation value, which can have a value equal to the mathematicaldifference between the first value and the second value, and a step forcomparing the variation value to a threshold criteria that can definethe nominal values for the positional characteristics. In one example,if the variation value satisfies the threshold criteria, then the method200 may include steps for assigning values to the increment 316. Thesevalues may decrease as the variation value decreases, e.g., as theoperating characteristic of the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3)converges to an optimal value (e.g., a minimum current level thatindicates of the optimal position for the diffuser vanes).

The steps for generating an output (e.g., at step 210) can cause theactuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) to move (also, actuator) to move thediffuser vane 300 between the second position 304 and the third position314. The output can comprise any signal (e.g., analog and/or digital)that can include data that reflect instructions to operate a device. Inthe examples herein, the output can cause the actuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2,and 3) to move between a first actuated position and a second actuatedposition, which can facilitate movement either directly and/orindirectly of the diffuser vanes (e.g., diffuser vanes 114 of FIGS. 2and 3 and/or diffuser vane 300 of FIGS. 5 and 6) among and between oneor more of the first position 302, the second position 304, and thethird position 314.

In view of the foregoing discussion of the method 200, this disclosurecontemplates embodiments in which the method 200 embodies an iterativeand/or multi-operational technique to focus and optimize operation,e.g., of the compressor device 100 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). To this end, themethod 200 may include one or more steps for resetting and orinitializing one or more values for the operating characteristic for theactuator 116 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) and the positional characteristics.This feature prepares the methodology to accept additional data and/orto operate in a manner that promotes incremental changes in the positionof the diffuser vanes (e.g., diffuser vanes 114 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 anddiffuser vane 300 of FIGS. 5 and 6). For example, in one embodiment, ona second “pass” through the method 200, the first value from theoperating parameter may be assigned the second value and, in turn, thesecond value may comprise a new value that identifies the operatingvalue that occurs after the diffuser vane changes from the secondposition to the third position. In this way, the method 200 can compareat least one previous value to a new value for purposes of iterating themethodology to an optimum solution. For purposes of such an example, itmay be unnecessary to receive and/or decode both the first signal (e.g.,at step 202), but rather supplement the steps of the method 200 with oneor more steps for assigning the first value with the second value,initializing the second value, and continuing on to receiving the secondsignal (e.g., at step 204).

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram that presents, at a high level, awiring schematic for a controller 400 that can process data (e.g.,signals) to generate an output that instructs operation of a compressordevice (e.g., compressor device 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). Thecontroller 400 can be incorporated as part of a compressor device toprovide an integrated and effective stand-alone system. In otheralternatives, the controller 400 can remain separate and/or as part of acontrol system, which can also monitor various operations of thecompressor device as well as the systems coupled thereto.

In one embodiment, the controller 400 includes a processor 402, memory404, and control circuitry 406. Busses 408 couple the components of thecontroller 400 together to permit the exchange of signals, data, andinformation from one component of the controller 400 to another. In oneexample, the control circuitry 406 includes sensor driver circuitry 410which couples with a parameter sensor 412 (e.g., parameter sensor 122 ofFIG. 3) and motor drive circuitry 414 that couples with a drive unit 416(e.g., e.g. drive unit 108 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). The control circuitry406 also includes an actuator drive circuitry 418, which couples with anactuator 420 (e.g., actuators 116 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), and a radiocircuitry 422 that couples to a radio 424, e.g., a device that operatesin accordance with one or more of the wireless and/or wired protocolsfor sending and/or receiving electronic messages to and from aperipheral device 426 (e.g., a smartphone). As also shown in FIG. 7,memory 404 can include one or more software programs 428 in the form ofsoftware and/or firmware, each of which can comprise one or moreexecutable instructions configured to be executed by the processor 402.

This configuration of components can dictate operation of the controller400 to analyze data, e.g., information included in the signals fromparameter sensor 412, the drive unit 414, and the actuator 420 toidentify appropriate changes to the diffuser vanes and/or other changesto other operating properties (e.g., motor speed) of the compressordevice. For example, the controller 400 can provide signals (or inputsor outputs) to speed up and slow down the drive unit 416, to instructthe actuator 420 to move to change the diffuser vanes from the firstposition to the second position, and/or actuate other devices thatchange the operation of the compressor device (e.g., compressor device100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3).

The controller 400 and its constructive components can communicateamongst themselves and/or with other circuits (and/or devices), whichexecute high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as executableinstructions (e.g., firmware instructions, software instructions,software programs, etc.). Exemplary circuits of this type includediscrete elements such as resistors, transistors, diodes, switches, andcapacitors. Examples of the processor 402 include microprocessors andother logic devices such as field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”) andapplication specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Although all of thediscrete elements, circuits, and devices function individually in amanner that is generally understood by those artisans that have ordinaryskill in the electrical arts, it is their combination and integrationinto functional electrical groups and circuits that generally providefor the concepts that are disclosed and described herein.

The structure of the components in the controller 400 can permit certaindeterminations as to selected configuration and desired operatingcharacteristics that an end user convey via the graphical user interfaceor that are retrieved or need to be retrieved by the device. Forexample, the electrical circuits of the controller 400 can physicallymanifest theoretical analysis and logical operations and/or canreplicate in physical form an algorithm, a comparative analysis, and/ora decisional logic tree, each of which operates to assign the outputand/or a value to the output that correctly reflects one or more of thenature, content, and origin of the changes that occur and that arereflected by the inputs to the controller 400 as provided by thecorresponding control circuitry, e.g., in the control circuitry 406.

In one embodiment, the processor 402 is a central processing unit (CPU)such as an ASIC and/or an FPGA that is configured to instruct and/orcontrol operation one or more devices. This processor can also includestate machine circuitry or other suitable components capable ofcontrolling operation of the components as described herein. The memory404 includes volatile and non-volatile memory and can store executableinstructions in the form of and/or including software (or firmware)instructions and configuration settings. Each of the control circuitry406 can embody stand-alone devices such as solid-state devices. Examplesof these devices can mount to substrates such as printed-circuit boardsand semiconductors, which can accommodate various components includingthe processor 402, the memory 404, and other related circuitry tofacilitate operation of the controller 400. In other embodiments, thememory 404 and processor 402 are remote from one another, e.g., thememory 404 is part of a server, computer, and/or computing device, aswell as part of a cloud computing network. In either this remoteconfiguration, or local configuration as shown in FIG. 7, the processor402 can have access to executable instruction that are stored on memoryand configured to be executed by the processor 404.

Moreover, although FIG. 7 shows the processor 402, the memory 404, andthe components of the control circuitry 406 as discrete circuitry andcombinations of discrete components, this need not be the case. Forexample, one or more of these components can comprise a singleintegrated circuit (IC) or other component. As another example, theprocessor 402 can include internal program memory such as RAM and/orROM. Similarly, any one or more of functions of these components can bedistributed across additional components (e.g., multiple processors orother components).

Further, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art andcontemplated herein, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodiedas a system, method, computer-implemented method, and/or computerprogram product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may takethe form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including one or more of firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,”“module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure maytake the form of a computer program product embodied in one or morecomputer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code and/orexecutable instructions embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a non-transitory computerreadable signal medium or a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium. Examples of a computer readable storage medium include anelectronic, magnetic, electromagnetic, and/or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing. This program code may be written in any combination ofone or more programming languages, including an object orientedprogramming language and conventional procedural programming languages.The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly onthe user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on theuser's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on theremote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computermay be connected to the user's computer through any type of network,including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), orthe connection may be made to an external computer (for example, throughthe Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The executable or computer program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus. The computer programinstructions may also be stored in and/or on a computer readable mediumthat can direct a computer, other programmable data processingapparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner.

Accordingly, a technical effect of embodiments of the systems andmethods disclosed herein is to monitor the operation of the actuator toposition the diffuser vanes in locations at which, in one example, thecompressor device consumes the least amount of power.

As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular andproceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as notexcluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion isexplicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of theclaimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existenceof additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a compressor devicecomprising an impeller, a diffuser vane in flow connection with theimpeller, and an actuator coupled with the diffuser vane; and acontroller coupled to the compressor device, the controller comprising aprocessor having access to executable instructions stored on memory andconfigured to be executed by the processor, the executable instructionscomprising instructions for: receiving a first input comprising data fora first value of an operating characteristic for the actuator with thediffuser vane in a first position; receiving a second input comprisingdata for a second value of the operating characteristic for the actuatorwith the diffuser vane in a second position; comparing the first valueand the second value; selecting an increment by which to move thediffuser vane from the second position, the increment defining therelative position of the second value with respect to the first value;and generating an output comprising data to instruct the actuator tomove the diffuser vane from the second position by the increment.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the operating characteristic identifies inputpower to the actuator.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the operatingcharacteristic correlates with flow characteristics about the diffuservane.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a linearactuator.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear actuator isconfigured to operate in response to an electrical input.
 6. The systemof claim 4, wherein the linear actuator is configured to operate inresponse to a pneumatic input.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theexecutable instruction comprise instructions for determining an inletflow value upstream of the impeller and setting the first position tocorrespond with the inlet flow value.
 8. The system of claim 7, furthercomprising a flow meter disposed upstream of the impeller, the flowmeter providing a third input that comprises data that reflects theinlet flow value, wherein the executable instruction compriseinstructions for receiving the third input and instructing the actuatorto move the diffuser vanes to the first position.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the increment changes the position of the diffuser vane in afirst direction if the second value is larger than the first value,wherein the increment changes the position of the diffuser vane in asecond direction if the second value is smaller than the first value,and wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.10. The system of claim 1, wherein the executable instructions compriseinstructions for comparing the second value to a threshold criteria,wherein the threshold criteria defines a maximum value for the operatingparameter and a minimum value for the operating parameter, and whereinthe increment changes the position of the diffuser vane if the secondvalue is equal to or greater than the maximum value and equal to or lessthan the minimum value.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the diffuservane has a leading edge and a trailing edge, and wherein the diffuservane rotates about an axis proximate the leading edge.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the increment defines an angular offset of the diffuservane from the second position.
 13. A compressor device, comprising: adrive unit; an impeller coupled to the drive unit; a diffuser assemblyin flow connection with the impeller, the diffuser assembly comprising adiffuser vane an actuator coupled to the diffuser vane and configured tomove the diffuser vane; and a controller coupled with the actuator, thecontroller comprising a processor with access to executable instructionsconfigured to be executed by the processor and stored on memory, theexecutable instructions comprising instructions for: receiving a firstinput with data that relates to a first value for an operatingcharacteristic for the actuator with the diffuser vane in a firstposition; receiving a second input with data that relates to a secondvalue for the operating characteristic for actuator with the diffuservane in a second position; comparing the first value and the secondvalue; selecting an increment by which to move the diffuser vane fromthe second position, the increment defining the relative position of thesecond value with respect to the first value; and generating an outputcomprising data to instruct the actuator to move the diffuser vane fromthe second position by the increment.
 14. The compressor device of claim13, further comprising a parameter sensor coupled with the controller,wherein the parameter sensor is in position to measure flow of a workingfluid.
 15. The compressor device of claim 14, wherein the parametersensor measures input power to drive the actuator.
 16. The compressordevice of claim 15, wherein the actuator comprises a pneumatic cylinder.17. The compressor device of claim 15, wherein the actuator comprises amotor to generate movement of the diffuser vane from the secondposition.
 18. The compressor device of claim 13, wherein the diffuservane leading edge, a trailing edge, and a rotation axis proximate theleading edge, and wherein the trailing edge rotates about the leadingedge when moving from the first position and the second position.
 19. Acomputer program product for improving efficiency of a compressordevice, the computer program product comprising a computer readablestorage medium having executable instructions embodied therein, whereinthe executable instructions comprise one or more executable instructionsfor: receiving a first input with data that relates to a first value foran operating characteristic for an actuator coupled with a diffuser vanein a first position; receiving a second input with data that relates toa second value for the operating characteristic for the actuator withthe diffuser vane in a second position; comparing the first value andthe second value; selecting an increment by which to move the diffuservane from the second position, the increment defining the relativeposition of the second value with respect to the first value; andgenerating an output comprising data to instruct the actuator to movethe diffuser vane from the second position by the increment.
 20. Thecomputer program product of claim 19, wherein the executableinstructions comprise instructions for comparing the second value to athreshold criteria, wherein the threshold criteria defines a maximumvalue for the operating parameter and a minimum value for the operatingparameter, and wherein the increment changes the position of thediffuser vane if the second value is equal to or greater than themaximum value and equal to or less than the minimum value.